[newguy357]

Again, the initial features that develop and subsequently compete ARE random (mutations are, by definition, random). Just because the process that takes place AFTER those features develop is not random does not make the over all process non-random.

[CarolinaGuitarman]

"Again, the initial features that develop and subsequently compete ARE random (mutations are, by definition, random). Just because the process that takes place AFTER those features develop is not random does not make the over all process non-random."

I didn't say there were no random elements involved. Certainly there are. But the selection process itself is not random.

[Virginia-American]

mutations are, by definition, random

Not by definition, but by experimental observation.

In fact, Lamarckists thought that mutations were triggered in a way that would better adapt future generations to the environment.

And there is "theistic" or "guided" evolution, which claims that the beneficial mutations were put there by a hypothetical designer.